Walter Scott 'Koosah Vineyard' Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon

Meyer lemon, white peach, crushed stone, and a striking saline minerality define the 2023 Walter Scott 'Koosah Vineyard' Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon. Sourced from a dramatic, high-elevation vineyard in the volcanic Eola-Amity Hills, this limited-production Chardonnay combines remarkable concentration with vibrant acidity and exceptional precision. Awarded 98 points by Decanter, it exemplifies winemaker Ken Pahlow's commitment to revealing the distinctive character of Oregon's finest vineyard sites through thoughtful farming and meticulous, Burgundy-inspired winemaking.

Product Details:

• Producer: Walter Scott Wines
• Owners: Ken Pahlow and Erica Landon
• Winemaker: Ken Pahlow
• Vintage: 2023
• Grapes: 100% Chardonnay, five co-fermented clones
• Vineyard Source: Koosah Vineyard, established by Kevin Chambers
• Farming: Organic
• Vine Planting: 2016
• Soil: Volcanic Witzel and Jory soils
• Elevation: 720–1,080 feet
• Pressing: Gentle crushing and bladder pressing
• Fermentation: Native yeast fermentation in large-format French oak
• Aging: 12 months in 350L and 500L French oak barrels, 65% new, followed by 3 months in stainless steel
• Lees Management: Minimal stirring
• Malolactic Fermentation: 100% complete
• Filtration: Lightly filtered
• ABV: 13%
• Case Production: 250 cases

Sensory Description:

Expressive aromas of Meyer lemon, white peach, nectarine, and citrus blossom mingle with crushed stone, smoky flint, and subtle toasted hazelnut. The palate is concentrated yet remarkably energetic, revealing layers of lemon curd, ripe orchard fruit, and delicate baking spice. A silky texture and pronounced saline minerality are balanced by vibrant acidity, creating exceptional tension and precision. The finish is long and persistent, with lingering citrus zest, wet stone, and restrained oak complexity.

Awards & Accolades:

• Score: 98 Points, Decanter, Clive Pursehouse
• Score: 97+ Points, Jeb Dunnuck, Audrey Frick
• Score: 97 Points, Vinous, Eric Guido
• Score: 96 Points, Owen Bargreen
• Score: 95 Points, Wine Enthusiast, Michael Alberty

Producer’s Background:

Founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Ken Pahlow and Erica Landon, Walter Scott Wines has become a leading producer of vineyard-driven Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Influenced by Burgundy's tradition of expressing individual vineyard sites, the winery emphasizes exceptional fruit, native fermentation, and carefully integrated oak.

Koosah Vineyard, established by Kevin Chambers, occupies one of the highest elevations in the Eola-Amity Hills. Its rocky volcanic soils, exposed slopes, and persistent coastal winds produce Chardonnay with remarkable concentration and natural acidity. The organically farmed property preserves substantial native vegetation alongside its vineyards, reflecting a commitment to biodiversity and ecological stewardship. The 2023 vintage's extended growing season further enhanced the wine's aromatic complexity and structural precision.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at approximately 50–55°F (10–13°C) in a Burgundy-style wine glass, allowing time for its layered aromatics to emerge. Pair with butter-poached lobster, seared scallops, roasted halibut, Dungeness crab, herb-roasted chicken, or wild mushroom risotto. Its mineral precision and rich texture also complement brown butter sauces and aged Comté. Enjoy now with aeration or cellar into the 2030s for additional complexity.